The Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation awards commercialization support to African innovators developing scalable engineering solutions to local challenges. (Note: This may include one or more thematic areas covered by the Terra Viva Grants Directory). The winner will receive £25 thousand, three runners-up will be awarded £10 thousand each. Applications are accepted from individuals or small groups. The lead applicant must be a citizen of a country within Sub-Saharan Africa. The deadline for submissions is 08 September 2026. Details
awards/prizes
MDPI Sustainability — Journal Awards 2027
The journal Sustainability (MDPI) is accepting nominations and applications for its annual Journal Awards, which recognize outstanding contributions to sustainability research and support the professional development of researchers. The 2027 awards include the Young Investigator Award, Travel Award, Best Paper Award, Outstanding Reviewer Award, Editor of Distinction Award, and Carbon Neutrality Award. Eligibility varies by award: for example, the Young Investigator Award recognizes early-career researchers, the Travel Award supports researchers presenting their work at conferences, while the Best Paper Award considers articles published in Sustainability. Award benefits vary by category and may include cash prizes, conference travel support, certificates, and publication recognition. The application and nomination deadline for the Young Investigator Award and Travel Award is 31 December 2026. Sustainability Journal Awards
Lipman Family Prize — Funding for Social Change
Each year, the Lipman Family Prize awards cash to three social impact organizations – US$250 thousand for the winning organization and US$125 thousand for each of the two other honorees. The award recognizes and amplifies the work of organizations devoted to positive social impact and creating sustainable solutions to significant social and economic challenges. Past winners include projects in the field of improved sanitation, energy innovations, and micro-forestry. Eligibility extends to organizations from all around the world addressing social and economic issues. Applications close on 31 July 2026. Find details
UNESCO — Nomadic Culture of Central Asia Photo Contest
UNESCO invites applications for the international photo contest “Nomadic Culture of Central Asia: Preserving Traditions and Biodiversity”. Professional and amateur photographers aged 18 and older from any country may submit original photographs taken in Central Asia that highlight pastoral traditions, nomadic communities, livestock diversity, or biodiversity and rangeland landscapes. Finalists’ photographs will be exhibited in Almaty, Kazakhstan, in autumn 2026. The submission deadline is 09 August 2026. Central Asia Photo Contest
Thomson Foundation — Young Journalist Award 2026
The Thomson Foundation invites entries for the Young Journalist Award 2026, an international competition recognizing outstanding young journalists whose work investigates important social issues and holds power to account. Eligible applicants are journalists aged 30 or under from, or reporting in, countries with a Gross National Income (GNI) per capita below US$20 thousand. Applicants must submit three published or broadcast pieces produced during the previous 12 months. Three finalists will be invited to London, United Kingdom, to attend the Foreign Press Association Media Awards, participate in newsroom visits, and receive professional training and networking opportunities. The application deadline is 09 August 2026. Young Journalist Award
World Summit Awards — Young Innovators Award
Nominations are open for the WSA Young Innovators Awards (young social entrepreneurs under 26 years of age). The awards recognize market-ready digital solutions that create positive social or environmental impact and contribute to one or more of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Eligible applicants include startups, social entrepreneurs, companies, NGOs, student groups, project teams, and individuals. Winners receive global recognition, the opportunity to present their solutions at the WSA Global Congress, mentorship, networking opportunities, workshops, and international visibility. The deadline to apply for WSA Young Innovators is 15 October 2026. Find out more
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations — World Food Day Poster Contest (Age 5-19)
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FOA) calls on children and teens from all over the world (ages 5 to 19) to use their imagination and create a poster. “Innovate today. Nourish tomorrow.” shows us how innovation can help feed the world, protect the planet, and build a better future for everyone. Winners will be promoted by FAO offices around the world and receive a surprise gift bag. Entries have to be submitted by 06 November 2026. Submit a poster
UNFCCC Technology Mechanism — AI for Climate Action Award
The UNFCCC Technology Mechanism invites applications for the AI for Climate Action Award to elevate open-source, artificial intelligence solutions addressing climate change mitigation and climate change adaptation. Individuals, teams, start-ups, and organizations over the age of 18 are eligible to apply, provided their AI-powered solution is developed in or for least developed countries (LDCs) or small island developing States (SIDS). The program does not offer direct cash grants; instead, finalists receive fully funded travel to the AI for Climate Action Forum in October 2026, and the overall winner receives an all-expenses-paid trip for one person to present their initiative at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye. The deadline for applications is 03 July 2026. AI for Climate Action Award
Korea International Water Week — World Water Challenge 2026
The Korea Water Forum invites solutions for the World Water Challenge, an international contest that aims to identify global water issues and find feasible solutions. Anyone, including individuals, businesses, and organizations from any country, can participate by submitting innovative technologies, scientific methods, or policy ideas. The organizers offer a total prize pool of KRW16 million (approximately US$11 thousand), including a grand prize of KRW10 million, with the top winners invited to present their ideas during the Korea International Water Week. The deadline for submitting solutions is 12 July 2026. Know more
Global Citizen — Small Business Impact Awards
Global Citizen and PayPal invite applications for the Small Business Impact Awards to support entrepreneurs who integrate equity and sustainability into their business operations. Independent founders, owners, or chief executive officers of small-to-medium-sized businesses are eligible to apply. Applicants must operate within North America, Europe, Latin America, or the Middle East and Africa, and demonstrate a one-to-five-year track record of driving positive environmental or social change. Selected businesses receive a cash prize of US$20 thousand. The deadline for applications is 19 July 2026. Small Business Impact Awards